Not Sleeping? Here’s how that may Affect your Eyes.

eye strainWe all know that we need sleep to replenish the body and mind. The term “recharge the batteries” may sound cliché, but it’s not so far off from what happens when we sleep. The way that many of us treat sleep, though, makes this vital activity seem more like a luxury; an optional task that we can cut short when our schedule gets too busy with “must do’s.” When we don’t sleep, the whole body suffers, including our eyes.

Your body as a whole needs 7 to 9 hours a night of good, quality sleep. During these hours, your eyes are also replenished so they can operate at maximum capacity. On the mild side of things, eyes that do not get adequate rest from their duties may start having difficulty in the lubrication department. Consequently, daytime vision may be blurry every so often. The eyes may feel dry and irritated as if an object were stuck. Tired, dry eyes may itch and become red. These symptoms may be alleviated temporarily with a few lubricating eye drops. However, sleep is the best medicine for long-term eye health.

On the more severe side of sleeplessness, we see the problem of eye spasms or myokymia. Eye spasms do not cause pain. However, if you’ve ever had about of spasms on your eyelid or around the eye, you know they can be distracting, to say the least. Eyes that are irritated and twitching can get in the way of productivity and, if severe, your quality of life.

Sleep is not a luxury; it is a necessity. Sadly, several factors may get between you and the shut-eye you need. If the issue is time, then a little self-discipline in setting an earlier bedtime may do the trick. If there is a struggle falling asleep or staying asleep, there are several tricks you may try. Some people find that a warm bath or shower before bed relaxes the body and mind. Others use innovative apps with guided meditations to help them fall asleep. With the various options available, you can find what works for you.

Is your eye health all you want it to be? We can help you assess them. Call (352) 237-8400.

 

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